OREANDA-NEWS. Businesses in Dorset will benefit from better connections to emerging markets if Heathrow is granted expansion, the airport set out in a speech this week, hosted by the region's Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking at the event, Neil Clark, Chief Information Officer at Heathrow, pledged that Heathrow would add 40 new routes to international markets, helping businesses throughout the UK connect to rapidly growing emerging economies in Asia, Latin America and North America.

The airport has set up a National Connectivity Task Force to develop policy proposals and recommendations for improving regional access to an expanded Heathrow. The group will include representatives of regional airports, Chambers of Commerce, LEPs, business people from around the UK and airlines.

The move follows a year of consultation with businesses across the UK, during which Chambers of Commerce across the country emphasised the central role transport connections play for business.

Heathrow submitted its refined plans for a third runway to the Airports Commission in May following discussions with local residents and local businesses, the public, businesses around the country, passengers, airlines and elected representatives across the UK's nations and regions. Heathrow is the UK's only hub and the only option that will connect the whole of the UK to new emerging economies, bringing jobs and prosperity to the country. It is deliverable, fundable and will create a world-class global gateway to make Britain proud.